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Sirius stumbles upon the review on a Tuesday morning.
He hates Tuesdays; has always hated Tuesdays. Tuesday is the one day of the week where he cannot find an excuse to avoid his mounting pile of emails. Monday is the first day of the week, so he has no energy. Wednesday is the middle of the week, so he barely gets any work done. Thursday is so close to the weekend he can't even focus for longer than ten minutes. And of course, there's Friday. In his mind, Friday is the weekend. So, he does all of his work on Tuesdays, always.
Except for this Tuesday, when he wakes with a startling headache and a low enough fever to write it off as a common cold, and instead of working, he scrolls through YouTube. The rabbit hole sucks him in within ten minutes and he's gone for, watching video, after video, after video. It's perfect. Until his next recommendation is a book review. Or more specifically, a review for his book. His debut, gay-as-all-fuck, fae-centered, fantasy book (that was exactly how he had first pitched it to his agent all those months ago). And now, he's curious like he hasn't been curious in years.
He doesn't wait to find out what the top 5 new releases of the year so far are (even though he guesses his own book is somewhere in there) ((confirmed by a quick scroll to the description box with a satisfied smile)), he clicks the review, and comes face to face with a god. The man has chestnut brown, wildly curly hair; the type of curls that bounce when he moves or talks and entice Sirius so easily and so completely. His eyes are this gorgeous amber shade that glints as he starts the video with a smile. There’s no introduction, but just a clip, the kind of clip most YouTubers would use to entice the watcher to keep going; short and catchy.
“So, you guys know how we’ve all agreed that fictional men are obviously better than real men because they are written by women? Well,” he says, a large smirk tearing across his face mischievously as he pauses for added comedic effect. “I have found the exception to that rule! Because, let. Me. Just. Say. The men in this book…” he pauses again, and looks up at the sky as if in awe, struggling to find the right words. He flounders for a few seconds, clearly a natural in front of the camera, before he brings his fingers to his lips in the classic kiss, accompanied by two words; “chef’s kiss.”
Sirius lets out a loud barking laugh, shaking his head to himself as the intro starts rolling (a black screen with tumbling cursive letters that arrange themselves into the word ‘moony,’ a couple of books, a mug, and a crescent moon), accompanied by the gentle music of the nondescript lo-fi song choice. Sirius approves so much that he instantly subscribes, making the total of the people he’s subscribed to 5. Oh, and he also likes the video, of course.
“Hello everyone, welcome, yet again, to another review Tuesday. Really, I don’t know why I still call them that I haven’t uploaded on a Tuesday since 2019…” he confesses, rambling in a way that is so adorable that Sirius should truly not be held accountable for his swooning. And he does swoon, quite a bit. “Anyway,” he says, drawing out the word, “today I am going to be telling you guys all about my new favorite fantasy book. Seriously,” he deadpans, then laughs to himself as if just realising something hilarious. Sirius is lost for a second, before the cover to his book appears on his laptop screen, the intricately gorgeous illustration of the two fae men holding their swords (one over his shoulder, the other lowered facing toward the ground), and the man (Moony, he mentally adds) points to his name, smack-dab in the top of the cover. “Oh my god that really shouldn’t be that funny. I feel sorry for this dude, the amount of times he must’ve heard this joke…”
“Thank you!” Sirius yells at his screen, feeling vindicated for once in his life. There’s a smile on his face, though, stretching from ear to ear.
“Just to clarify, the joke is that his name is Sirius, like the Dog Star, but can often be confused with the word ‘serious,’ you know, the noun. So seriously/siriusly who knows?” he adds and Sirius is smiling when the two words appear on screen, wiggling along with the faint music in the background through the editing. It makes Sirius snort. Yes, it seems subscribing was a good choice.
“Now, to begin, the main character, Ailre, is this incredibly badass and dumb protagonist. I love him for it…”
So what does Sirius, a (mostly) well-functioning adult do for the rest of his day? Well, of course, he binges all of Moony’s videos. But really, he cannot be blamed for that in the slightest. And if he changes the description of the love interest in his next book to resemble Moony a bit more, well that’s for only him to know and take along to his grave.
To his chagrin, his agent calls him around six that evening, demanding to know why she hasn’t receiving her perfunctory Tuesday email yet and if he’s dead in a ditch. He tries to explain to her that he really hasn’t been feeling well all day, but has it all under control and even managed to eat some lunch (albeit it was just a sandwich which she does not need to know). Lily Evans, though, has never taken his shit and he knows it. He really shouldn’t be surprised when, half an hour later, the bell rings and there she stands, in the steps of his townhouse, soup and boyfriend in tow.
“Wow, you look like utter shit,” she comments, blunt as always and Sirius rolls his eyes as a reply, hugging his blanket closer to him as he steps out of the way and allows his best friends inside the hallway.
“Thanks Evans, always the flatterer,” he says sarcastically, although it loses its touch as a result of the fact that his nose is too stuffed for him to be able to say her name correctly.
“Hey Pads. I’d give you a hug but I really can’t afford to miss the game Saturday,” James says, smiling apologetically at his honorary brother as he follows Lily inside the house.
“Of course, how would the team ever win without the footie-god-incarnate that is James Fleamont Potter,” Sirius retorts and James gasps theatrically, as if the insinuation that he isn’t his team’s one and only saving grace is completely preposterous. All three of them know, however, that the team would actually, most probably loose without their captain front and center guiding them forward.
“I’ll act like I didn’t hear that only because you’re sick,” James says, narrowing his eyes at the man in question as the two of them make it to the living room and settle on the sofa, waiting for Lily to bring in the soup in a bowl from the kitchen, as she is always wont to do. They have in the past attempted to help her in such a task, but as that always ended in screaming matches from her part and tears from James, they eventually learned to leave the kitchen responsibilities to one person at a time. When she reappears through the kitchen door a few seconds later with a bowl of James’ famous Palak soup, which Sirius has had a soft spot for since he tried it all those years ago when he first visited the Potters, James seems eager to change the conversation. “So, what have you done with your sick day?”
Sirius takes his first taste and groans in appreciation, thanking his friends with a smile and a nod, before he shrugs. “Absolutely nothing. YouTube binge.”
“Ahh, a classic sick day. What type?”
Sirius speaks through another mouthful, covering his mouth with his hand. “Found this bloke, so fucking hot, who was giving me the most positive review I’ve ever gotten, so naturally I binged all of his content.”
“As if your head needs to get bigger than it already is…”
“BookTube is the best part of YouTube,” Lily says at the same time, turning to share a look with her boyfriend as she notices their widely different responses.
Sirius snorts. “My head is just big enough, thank you very much, and BookTube really is the best part of YouTube.”
James sends him an incredulous look, one thick eyebrow raised high enough to be hidden behind strands of his too long, messy black hair. Sirius acts like he doesn’t notice and takes a long sip of soup, smiling to himself. “Good soup today, Prongs.”
“When is it not?” James asks, even more incredulous than he was at the football comment.
“Um…New Year’s Eve, 2019…”
Lily shudders. “Oh god, do not remind me of that nightmare.”
“That was one time!” James complains, pouting. “And it’s really not my fault that guy gave me bad spinach. I didn’t even know spinach could go bad.”
“It’s a herb, of course it goes bad James,” Lily points out and James shushes her insistently, until she rolls her eyes fondly. “James’ cooking aside, I really need to talk business.”
“Ah, hence the trip,” Sirius nods. He's known this was coming since the bell rang and he really can't be arsed to think about his responsibilities and the draft he is supposed to turn in in a month even though he's written only about a quarter of it. Lily nods, sighing, able to read him much easier than he believes she can.
"Hence the trip..." she confirms. "Any progress since last week?"
Sirius is very compelled to lie, make up something on the spot and act like he has any idea what's happening with his mind and lack of inspiration. But he knows Lily will see right through it and he really does not have the patience for one of her patented lectures on honesty just yet. "None. My outline is done, I know what I want to write; the words just aren't coming to me."
"Well, I hope they come soon, because I keep getting emails asking about when to expect the draft and they're frankly pissing me off."
"Tell McGonagall to expect it on the due date and nothing sooner," Sirius says, ignoring the flutter of doubt in his chest that tries to tell him even that will not be enough. This is not the time for doubting his abilities; they've gotten him this far.
She hums a non-committal reply, something telling Sirius she doubts that statement as well, but prefers not to let her doubt show. "Anyway, that's not actually what I wanted to discuss. Friday is International Independent Bookstore Day, and I think it could be a good chance for marketing and promotion."
"I'm listening..." Sirius says, actually largely intrigued about the concept.
"Well, I was thinking you could go around some independent bookstores in town, sign some stock, promote it on Instagram, and the rest," she explains. Then she reaches into her bag to get a piece of paper out and hand it to Sirius. "I wrote a list down of bookstores that are willing to hold events as well, if you're feeling well enough for that, but we could just stick to the signing stock part..."
Sirius considers it for a moment. From his job, besides the writing part, he has always loved these events where he gets to talk and interact with his fans, the people who love his books and his characters and want nothing more than to have long, complicated conversations and theorise about his words. Nothing quite matches the excitement of those events. However, he does feel pretty shitty if he admits it to himself, so maybe this week it's better not to pursue it...Of course, that line of thought does not last nearly long enough.
"Perhaps we can do one event? I know I've done four or three a day in the past, but I really don't think I'm up to it..." he concedes eventually.
James reaches over the space between them on the sofa to clap him on the back. "Look at him, Padfoot, all grown up and making sane decisions about his health. Lils brought me to convince you not to overdo it but it seems I won't be needed at all."
Sirius snorts, rolling his eyes at his best friend outwardly, but privately, he feels proud of himself, for actually learning from his past recklessness. Not that James will ever become aware of such an admission.
"One event it is," she agrees, smiling. "I'll call the owners of the bookstore that was most enthusiastic and had the highest availability. It's called Howell's books and it's a family owned one in Camden. A small, really pretty place, you know one of those cozy ones you love. Has a café too.”
"Sounds great,” Sirius agrees, the familiar low thrum of excitement pooling in his belly. God he loves these events.
The rest of his week is spent recuperating, making sure that he will be feeling well enough by the end of the week for the schedule that Lily has sent him (he feels perfectly well by Wednesday night, but he refuses to tell Lily and spends a third day doing nothing at all on Thursday just because he's a piece of shit (and he knows it)). When he wakes up on Friday, he feels awake and rejuvenated, ready to head out and enjoy his event filled day.
He starts off by taking a few pictures in front of his bookshelves, hugging his novel to his chest that he then uploads on his story, wishing everyone a happy independent bookstore day, and to check the link in his bio for everything he will be doing during the day. He adds it to his highlights; the aesthetic one tagged as ‘Books.’
Once he's sure that it's uploaded for his 200k followers to see, he picks up his favorite sharpies (because he’s extra like that) and heads out the door. The bike ride to the first bookstore is only about fifteen minutes and he spends around an hour signing stock and joking around with the employees. Once he’s done, he takes a few pictures for his Instagram story and thanks the store owner before he speeds off on his bike. The next store is a little further from the center of the city, but he enjoys driving so he can’t say he minds, especially when he gets to go and discuss books with other people. He’s a sucker for book conversations.
By 5pm, he’s visited five different stores, where he’s signed stock with the practiced ease of only a writer, and also has grabbed a short lunch with James when he caught him in between practices. Although he feels a little drained, he does not actually dread the event that will follow, especially since he’ll get to talk about his work with people that actively enjoy it, that choose to be there.
He pulls into a tight space right in front of the bookstore, which is in fact just as cozy and beautiful as Lily said, and gets off the bike to make it inside. A bell dings overhead when he opens the door and he's hit by the warmth of central heating and the scent of freshly baked goods, which he can spot on the top floor that has a balcony overlooking the area he's in. Faintly, he can see a few chairs arranged in an order in front of a desk where he will, no doubt, be sitting. There’s no one behind the counter, so he allows his eyes to roam around and take in the displays while he waits for an employee to appear. There’s a combination of traditional, simple displays, with books stacked in such a way that all books in famous bookstores are stacked, and also more creative elaborate displays that catch his eyes. One stack of books, specifically, is arranged to be hanging from the ceiling, laying on a plank of wood that’s stabilised with metal strings. The way it spins slowly is mesmerising.
“Oh, hello, can I help you with anything?” He hears a voice say, low and gravely, and he smiles his famous smirking grin as he turns around.
“Yes, hi, I’m here for the event,” he says. Then, his eyes fall on the guy standing across from him and they widen. He looks even better in real life, his curls falling naturally in front of his forehead while his eyes crinkle. “Moony?”
Moony's eyes immediately widen and he straightens, showing off his height as being well over 6'3" and Sirius is entranced. "You've seen my videos?"
"I saw your review," he says, winking. When Moony raises his eyebrow in question, confused, Sirius raises his hand for a handshake. "Sirius Black. Thanks for the best review I've ever gotten. It was fantastic."
"Oh, god," he says, cheeks reddening in embarrassment, even as he reaches to shake Sirius' hand. "I can't believe you saw that. I was such a fangirl in that video..."
"Oh, I knooow," Sirius replies, dragging out the word playfully. His cheeks redden even more and Sirius loves it. It makes his freckles stand out and really, Sirius is a sucker for freckles, always has been. "But it's okay," he says, wanting to put this beautiful man out of his misery before he spontaneously combusts, something which he seems unbelievable close to doing. "I thought it was adorable."
This time, the reddening of Moony's cheeks does not seem to be attributed to embarrassment anymore, as a smile graces his lips tentatively. "Glad that such an embarrassing moment of my life can bring you joy," he says, a sarcastic tinge to his voice that Sirius finds unbelievably endearing.
"Oh, it did. I've been bingeing all your videos since Tuesday because of that review. Really, you should be grateful for it."
"Mmm, I'll try," he says, voice dry. "Excuse me while I go and drown myself in my tears of embarrassment."
"You are excused, Moony." Sirius replies, and winks. Moony makes no move to leave.
"You can call me by my real name, you know..."
"I would," Sirius admits, cracking a grin while he stares Remus down. It's probably quite entertaining for a man of Moony's height to be stared down by a man standing, barely, at 5'10". "But I don't actually know your name, Mr. Moony."
"Oh right," he says, awkwardly, as he reaches up to scratch the back of his neck. Sirius swallows down a snort, assuming, correctly, that it would embarrass him even further. And really, it is rather too cute. "Remus Lupin."
"Wow, your parents must have a definite thing for wolves."
"Huh?"
"Oh, you know. Remus and Romulus, founders of Rome, raised by wolves, and Lupin comes from the word ‘Lupus’ which is wolf in Latin. Or maybe ‘Loup,’ which is wolf in french," he explains, making sure to pronounce his last word with his excellent french.
"Yes, I know," Remus says, seeming almost dazed, as his eyes roam Sirius up and down. Sirius might be kidding himself, but he does think he notices an appreciative glint to the look. "I just didn't expect anyone else to know that..."
"Well, not everyone is fluent in French and Latin and also had to study Roman history extensively at the ages of six to eight...." Sirius says, covering over his sad, miserable childhood with an array of humour as he always does, to his friends' chagrin.
"Wow, you must be posh," Remus observes, words soft and reverent, and more than a little teasing. Sirius shrugs.
"Was. Once upon a time."
"Damn. And you left that behind to become an author? Of gay fantasy novels? You must have a lot of faith in your writing abilities..." he says and Sirius can only be glad that the topic of his family has been discarded.
"I do alright," Sirius replies, his smile now much softer than it was earlier.
Remus snorts, amused. "Clearly," he says, indicating with his arm to the upstairs where they can spot the chairs as they are set up for the event.
Sirius winks, "So, anyway, about the review..."
"Oh, god, not that again..." Remus whines. The sound sends a pleased flutter through Sirius' heart.
"I don't think I will ever let you live that down, full disclosure," he says and although Remus glares at him, there's a smile on his face that makes it so that Sirius cannot actually believe he's that mad about it. "I just wanted to know if you actually thought that the men in my book are better than real men? Because that is honestly the best compliment I've ever gotten!"
For the first time since the beginning of this conversation, Remus barks out a laugh, clearly surprised at the statement. Shaking his head, he replies with a smile. "Yeah, yeah. I really did think so."
"Really?" Sirius asks, eyes wide, the compliment going straight to his heart. When he saw the video, it had felt like a joke more than anything. But having Remus attest to it now, lifts his spirits completely. "I have achieved everything I needed to achieve,” he says, splaying his arm over his chest dramatically. “There’s no more reason to live. Lord take me now!”
Remus splutters again, surprise flicking on his face through a secretive smile. “Wow, you’re exactly like Ailre…”
Sirius shrugs, a smile on his face. “You know what they say; write what you know.”
This seems to be the right answer, as it leads them to a longer conversation about his writing and his characters that they can both enjoy. "Are all of your characters based on people you know in real life?" Remus asks and Sirius hums noncommittally, thinking it over.
"No. But all of them have characteristics I took from someone I know or I've met..." he says. He can tell, though, that Remus wants a longer explanation and, really, who is he to deny that of him. "Well, Rohan is almost an exact replica of my best friend and adoptive brother, James. He's just as enthusiastic and supportive and I love adding him into my stories. And of course, it would not be a work by me if the villain was not modelled by my hag of a mother."
The admission seems to take Remus by surprise, slipping a look of distaste onto his face. "She's as bad as Haleth?"
Sirius snorts. "Oh yeah. Just as evil but without the magic."
Speechless, Remus blinks once, twice, then shakes his head. "Parents."
Sirius nods, completely in agreement. He's about to ask one question or another about Remus, something to get to know him better, when the bell on top of the door rings again and Remus is called away by his job. Before he rushes off, he turns to Sirius with an apologetic smile. "Sorry. Do you mind heading upstairs to the café while we wait for people to gather?"
"No, not at all," Sirius says, smiling as he turns toward the stairs. "See you in a bit."
The event is just as fun as Sirius has hoped it would be. Remus is the one asking him questions in the beginning; the usual questions about his book and his plans for the future. Sirius smiles and answers teasingly and winks at him as subtly as he possibly can, everything in his power to watch him flush prettily. Which he does, repeatedly. By the time they move on to audience questions, Remus is a permanent shade of red that Sirius cannot help but find completely and utterly adorable. And possibly quite beautiful.
Sirius forces himself to look away from Remus, though, and engage with the audience to the best of his ability, answering questions one after the other with an ease that is much more honest than most would believe. The questions pass remarkably fast and before long, the session has ended and all the people form a line for him to sign their books and send them on their merry way with a bright smile. When he has signed all the copies passing by his desk, and the store clears, sounding remarkably quiet for the first time in at least two hours, there's only himself and Remus on the first floor, talking comfortably and easily to each other about their favorite books. Or at least they were, until Sirius' hunger decided to make itself known by grumbling the loudest it possibly can in his stomach.
Sirius stops speaking and turns to look down at his middle with an eyebrow raised and an amused tilt to his lips. He looks up at Remus with a shrug, their eyes meeting and betraying their amusement. Then, as if timed, they start laughing simultaneously. Their laughter slowly turns into small sniggers and when their eyes lock again, Sirius can see the mirth piling in the corners of Remus' amber gaze.
"So, someone's hungry," Remus says, voice soft and far too fond for it being so little time since they first met.
"Yep, he is," Sirius replies, mirroring his smile equally fondly. "Would you like to join me in doing something about it?"
"Yes, I believe I would..." Remus says, his smile widening even more. Then, his eyes narrow, as if he registers the implications and wants to clarify them. “Just to be clear, this is a date, right?”
“I sure hope so...” Sirius says, flashing his most flirtatious smile that only widens when Remus’ face flushes a pretty pink and his eyes lighten up beautifully.
“Perfect. My shift ended an hour ago anyway, so I’m good to go if you’d like...”
“I would indeed. Will you let the owner know that I wished I could’ve caught them?” he asks. “Oh, and thank you, too?”
“Yeah sure. Mom will be happy to hear that,” Remus replies with a smile, fully aware of what he’s admitting to and curious to see how Sirius will react.
“Oh, your mom is the owner? That’s awesome!” he says, voice filled with pure and honest enthusiasm that makes Remus blush again. “I’ve always wanted to own a bookstore!”
“Me too.”
“Well, one day, this one will be all yours,” Sirius says, his smile broad and bright. “That must be so exciting!”
“Yeah, yeah it is.”
They go to a noodle place right down the street, one of those places where you choose what ingredients you want in your food, from the type of noodle to the smallest of toppings. Sirius loves those kinds of places and he always makes it his purpose to choose the wildest pairings and never, ever, chooses the same pairing twice. They order and cradle the warm packages in their hands as they find a seat at a bench across the street from the shop. The air is chilly, but not cold, just perfectly indicative of the late April weather, and the dark is welcomed when they sit under a lamppost to get a good look of each other. And, they talk.
They talk about everything and nothing at the same time. They start with school and education and gushing over their families (Sirius talks about Effie and Monty with a smile lighting up his face). Then, they move on to other things; fandoms and whatever inconsequential topic they deem important. By the time they're done with their food and have started walking toward the closest gelato store for some ice-cream, they have touched, even slightly, every topic they care about under the sun. By the time their ice cream is done, they feel like they’ve known each other for years.
Sirius is smiling to himself as they walk, bathed in welcomed silence that makes him feel more comfortable with someone new than he’s been since he met James, all those years ago. He’s debating with himself about maybe reaching over and taking Remus’ hand into his, when he feels his significantly larger palm reach over and grasp his fingers hesitantly. Immediately, as if on instinct, he grasps back, their fingers interlocking and spreading warmth through his cold palm; his fingers are always going cold. He looks down at their hands and his smile turns smaller and softer, feeling the warmth bloom further, rise to his chest and flutter with that feeling of wild butterflies that always brings joy to his being. When he looks up at Remus and sees him smiling just as softly, an equally reverent look in his eyes as he stares down at their hands, he knows, without a shadow of a doubt that the other feels the same thing.
After tonight, his next love interest just gained a very intriguing personality and a gorgeous smile. After all, Sirius Black always writes what he knows.